Munazza Shaheen has achieved a remarkable milestone for Pakistan in the world of international golf. Her achievement is particularly noteworthy because she is the only woman selected by the renowned Royal & Ancient (R&A) Scotland and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) to officiate in an all-male international golf tournament. She is currently a part of a twelve-member team of International Rules Officials officiating the ‘2023 ASIA-PACIFIC AMATEUR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP’ taking place at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia.
Mr. Grant Moir, the Executive Director Governance of the R&A and Tournament Director of the event, acknowledged Munazza’s selection, citing her hard work and dedication that he personally witnessed during her participation in the R&A Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar at the St Andrews Golf Club in Scotland in February of this year. Her selection as the first woman from Pakistan to referee an international match is an inspiring story for women in the region and the R&A itself.
Mr. Taimur Hassan, President APGC, commended Munazza’s dedication and hard work, stating that she deserves the prestigious invitation, and he pledged to support her at international forums.
Munazza Shaheen holds the distinction of achieving all three levels of golf rules certification within a short period of only 12 months: Level-I Certification with a 100% pass in April 2022, Level-II from Singapore with a distinction in October 2022, and Level-III from R&A, St Andrews with a merit in February 2023. Currently, she and Col (R) Zahid Iqbal are the only two Pakistani golf officials with Level-III Certification. Col Zahid believes that Munazza is the future hope for Pakistan Golf, inspiring other Pakistani golfers to follow her path.
Munazza credits her success to the technical advice and guidance provided by Col (R) Zahid Iqbal, Mr. Taimur Hassan for introducing her to international rules officials, and the support from the Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) in terms of facilitating and financing her foreign trips. Additionally, she appreciates the PGF’s honor in appointing her as the Tournament Director of the 62nd National Golf Championship held in April 2023, where the majority of participants were male golfers. This marked a significant moment for women’s golf in Pakistan, breaking barriers.
Upon her arrival at Melbourne airport, Munazza received a warm welcome, with Golf Australia expressing its honor and enthusiasm to host a lady referee from Pakistan, a unique experience for them. Munazza primarily attributes her success to her mentor, Dr. Asma Afzal Shami, the former Chairperson of Ladies Golf in Pakistan on behalf of the PGF, who discovered her potential, provided constant motivation, and encouraged her to reach for the stars and beyond.